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WCA Announces Laura Honn as new CEO

The Dedicated Member of the WCA Executive Team will begin her tenure on April 6, 2026

The Board of Directors of the Women’s and Children’s Alliance (WCA) announced today that Laura Honn, a dedicated member of the WCA’s executive leadership team for six years, has been named the organization’s new CEO. Laura will be succeeding Bea Black, who announced her retirement in 2025 after serving as WCA CEO for 18 years.

This decision was made thoughtfully by the WCA Executive Committee, with deep care for the WCA’s mission, its staff, and the future. Laura has served most recently as Director of Revenue and Outreach, as well as supporting the agency’s client-facing community services teams. Her commitment to providing safety, healing and freedom from domestic abuse and sexual assault has shown up in her work every day for the last six years.

“After an extensive and thoughtful search, we are thrilled to welcome Laura Honn as WCA’s next Chief Executive Officer,” said Jess Flynn, president of the WCA Board of Directors and a member of the CEO search committee. “Laura has spent six years as a key member of our Executive Leadership Team — helping build the strategies, relationships, and resources that sustain this organization’s mission every day. As funding landscapes shift and the demand for our services grows, we needed a CEO with both the vision and the grounding to lead through that complexity, and we are confident Laura is that person. We also want to honor the extraordinary 18-year legacy of Bea Black, whose leadership has made WCA the respected, resilient organization it is today.”

Laura’s commitment to human services-based leadership began in the United Kingdom 18 years ago as Operations Manager for youth protective services at the Salford Foundation, where she gained experience in domestic violence and sexual assault work. Upon moving to the United States in 2015, she continued to expand her operational leadership experience as Campus Director of Lake of the Woods and Greenwoods Summer Camps. In 2020, Laura joined the WCA as Philanthropy Manager. She has also served as Associate Board Member of Lincoln Park Community Shelter in Chicago, and more recently as Past President of the Wild Hearts Idaho Board of Directors. In 2024, Laura was a recipient of the Idaho Business Review’s Accomplished Under 40 Award.

“I am delighted that the WCA Board of Directors selected Laura Honn as the WCA’s new CEO,” said Bea Black, who will step into the role of Executive Advisor during the transition process. “Having worked with Laura for the past six years, I know she is passionate about our work and is committed to ensuring a future for our organization and team that will result in expanded opportunities for service and advancement for team members. Her resilience and problem solving skills are exceptional and so critical, particularly for non-profits. The challenges we face these days are usually unexpected and come without warning. Being able to pivot and adapt are abilities that she has demonstrated from very early on in her tenure at the organization. Her background, familiarity with the WCA’s work, as well as commitment to our staff and community, make her a great choice for the WCA. I look forward to celebrating the success of the WCA under her leadership in the years to come.”

In 2025, the WCA provided over 22,000 free services to community members, including over 10,000 safe bed nights in its two secure shelters. 

Laura will officially begin her tenure as CEO on April 6, 2026, at which time she and Bea will continue to work closely to ensure a smooth transition. For more on Bea’s retirement, visit wcaboise.org/beablacklegacy. 

For Additional Information & Media Requests
Marnie Nichole, WCA Marketing and Communications Manager
mnichole [@] wcaboise [dot] org
208.391.0999 or 406.272.9723